Over the past few days, it's been very clearly demonstrated that two-thirds of Pennsylvania's Covid-19 deaths have been nursing home residents. But instead of helping this at-risk population, Governor Tom Wolf has decided to make everyone else suffer with a lockdown. But he's also hurt students. Let's be real. Our students have lost what amounts to a half year's worth of education, a terrible disservice to them and this country. Yet Pennsylvania's Education Secretary, Pedro Rivera, has actually said he thinks our schools will remain closed in the Fall. Whether it's Health, Unemployment or Education, it seems Governor Tom Wolf has picked the biggest idiots he could find to run his administration. It is little wonder that the state now faces a $5 billion budget deficit.
I'm a Democrat. But I belong to a party that is supposed to help people, not hurt them.
House Speaker Mike Turzai has blasted Rivera in this letter for his "can't do" attitude. "Kids have dreams," he reminds this bureaucrat. "You are not working to find workable solutions given what is in front of us. Instead of providing direction and even hope, your statements are fostering depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. That is not the way to govern and lead."
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Just look at the Tom Wolf administration.
140 comments:
And now Commissar Wolf has ordered our region to shut down until June 4. Three months of crippling small businesses. The federal stimulus money is spent. How will people live? Livelihood equals lives! This insane economic shutdown has to end. Protect our seniors and nursing home residents but open the economy to the 90% of the population who are negative, have immunity, or are in a low risk demographic.
See, Bernie, this is what happens when you vote Democrat. Please see the light and vote Republican this November. Ron Angle would approve.
Wolf is using TP with the Pennsylvania Constitution, effective 1/1/1874 printed on it and giggling with Dr Levine as the sheep come in line. Even the US Supreme Court will not stop him. He is a lame duck and we are all screwed.
Every one of these people took an oath to uphold the Constitution, including Article 1 SS 1:
" § 1. Inherent rights of mankind.
All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness. "
If you are a D, R, I, or L everybody reading subsection 1, the PA Legislature should actually read and carry out their elected duty to follow and preserve the PA Constitution. It also tells how to remove the Governor. Problem is the entire party deadlock since the early 1990s has no politicians "crossing the aisle" It is all party now. No people.
PA Legislature READ AND EXECUTE THIS DOCUMENT:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/00/00.HTM
Tommy Boy and Ravishing Rachel still silent on the nursing home crisis. Why don't they just admit they are clueless? I guess they figure everyone now knows that.
Every day the lockdown continues, another 10,000 Pennsylvanians will flee the state when this is over. What person will want to stay here in retirement when the nursing homes are death traps? And, when the state is broke? Financially and politically.
Texas is open for business. Start making your getaway plans now. Pennsylvania will not recover from this.
the result of the incompetence of the northeast governors will be apparent in the next 2 years, as people and business disappear. They have hastened the trend for business to relocate in other more favorable parts of the country. They are going to loose massive amounts of tax revenues. They can expect to see a crisis in attempting to fund their over generous public pension funds. It is likely that the federal government will not be any financial position to help them.
Schools must reopen. It may be time to look for alternatives to public school. Home schooling groups should be organizing to fill the gap. Home schooling can be a cooperative endeavor by groups of parents to share the work of teaching. There are more and more quality internet based educational programs that may usher in an new era in education.
First of all, dont exaggerate the problem Bernie. Students lost the last quarter of school, not half. Second, the last restriction to be lifted ANYWHERE is going to be large gatherings of people. You tell me how putting 1800 students in a building (475 per lunch) is not going to be a problem in a pandemic. It's easy for you and your armchair quarterbacks to think you have all the answers. I, for one, am glad none of you are making these calls.
PA's ever changing numbers and formulas are a national story - and a laughing stock. Dr Five O'Clock Shadow cand pronounce exponential (it's gotten to be like a Monty Python skit) and cannot perform basic mathematics. That's what happens when checking politically correct boxes outweighs the real need for public safety and proper administration. I join with the Monroe County Coroner and a growing list of public officials who think it's time for this incompetent to resign.
“Whether it's Health, Unemployment or Education, it seems Governor Tom Wolf has picked the biggest idiots he could find to run his administration.”
So very many of history’s most successful leaders have said one key to their success was to surround themselves with people smarter than they and solicit those advisers’ guidance. Wolf has surrounded himself with idiots; therefore, he is following that historical model.
Impeach wolf now--if the dems could impeach trump for no reason our state legislature must impeach wolf for a good reason--killing people and killing the pa economy
STUPID Wolf-kids do not die from this virus-yet wolf and his friends are ruining the summer for our kids. Wolf already ruined the spring season in many ways--kids do not die from this virus-Wolf is a wolf in many ways
well, they'll stop paying the teachers then, to ease our crippling tax burden. right?
right?
I so very much appreciate that Gov. Wolf has protected us from the Trump virus. I'm sure he'll make a conscientious decision about schools, too.
It's great to read the posts here of the many geniuses who know exactly how to solve all governmental problems. It's a mystery to me that they aren't already running the state or even the world.
USA TODAY:
WASHINGTON – As states around the country begin reopening, a new survey shows the majority of Americans are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly then are worried about the country not reopening quickly enough.
Nearly three out of four Americans — 71% — say they are more concerned by the government lifting social distancing restrictions too quickly, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. That's more than double the 29% who say they are worried restrictions are not being lifted quickly enough.
See national trends minus NYS. We are midway through a national/worldwide pandemic whic in US alone claims 2k people per day and we are “led” by a freakin maniac who refuses to wear a face mask and spouts conspiracy theories daily. Are all of you Wolf haters Faux News fans also ? The Gov has a tough job for sure and he, like Cuomo, is taking necessary steps to control this epidemic. Let’s err on the side of safety. What is the value of a human life ? What does Dr. Fauci recommend ?
I have 3 children (4th, 5th and 7th grades) who have been on line schooling since March. A few takeaways. First, I've been doing most of the teaching, not their teachers. They basically get worksheets each morning to complete and they have no idea how to complete them, hence, that's where I come in. Also, I am no convinced that many subjects are unnecessary. Sure, Math and Language Arts and Science are imperative, but the other subjects...I don't even want to say what some of there assignments are. It's such a joke.
Also, they are supposed to have online instruction every day from 9a-12p. They are routinely done around 10-10:30am. When I asked them how this is possible, they all give me the same answer, "My teacher is done teaching and says we can email her with questions". Then I spend the next few hours teaching them.
Finally, my neighbor is a teacher. He told me that his Principal has already told the teachers to be prepared for school to not open come September, so plan accordingly.
"It's great to read the posts here of the many geniuses who know exactly how to solve all governmental problems. It's a mystery to me that they aren't already running the state or even the world."
We don't check enough politically correct boxes to get a job in the Wolf administration. Geniuses? The health secretary continues to say "expodential" as he changes his numbers each day. He brought 200 back from the dead last weekend. But you have a problem with criticizing his idiocy. Sounds right.
Gee, if I was the governor, why wouldn't I want to hire you? You mean apart from the fact that you demean people, spout bigoted rhetoric, and use terms like "politically correct".
No, I'd say you're best suited to sitting around in your week-old underwear writing cranky posts to blogs. You're the type who yells at kids to not cut across the lawn.
The online classes are a joke. My son gets his online work on a monday and is basically done by noon monday and then that is it.
It really appears to be the least amount of effort they can put in. And yet, the teachers are receiving full pay and benefits right now and the school districts are talking about a tax increase in the summer.
It is really terrible. This is the East Penn District
So how much sense does it make that President Asinine is censoring suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control on, among other things, reopening schools?
Anon 8:23 said:
"The Gov has a tough job for sure and he, like Cuomo, is taking necessary steps to control this epidemic."
Cuomo is presiding over the state with the MOST cases and deaths in the country (adjusted for population). So I'm not sure I'd be following Cuomo's lead on ANYTHING related to the virus.
Instead of trying something different, Wolf has decided to fall in line and follow the failed policies of Cuomo and other Northeast governors.
Instead of keeping us safe, he's killing us, and the economy as well.
Did it ever occur to you that our infection rate is lower precisely because Gov. Wolf did what he did?
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Cases across the state are expected to increase at an exponential rate. Because of limited testing and other factors, experts believe the virus is far more widespread than case counts suggest.
Reported cases: 52,915
Deaths: 3,416
Gee if you were Guv, emigration to Canada would surge and all future PA Guvs would have to pass a saliva test.
853...Cuomo is a hero. I presume you will disagree but Ibam also sure that you are finding 6th grade to be a serious challange.
@9:05: If the virus is more widespread than is believe, we should be seeing also an exponential increase in the number of deaths (non nursing homes) which we are not.
And if this is indeed the case, that would also mean that more individuals have transitioned through the disease and would now have some sort of immunity.
It is time to reopen the economy and for those individuals who still fear the virus, they should continue to quarantine at home, but for us others, it is time to get back to living.
8:06 I'll assume you are fully employed?
No, you may not.
May I assume that you consider the Trump Virus to be a liberal hoax?
Anonymous said...
Gee if you were Guv, emigration to Canada would surge and all future PA Guvs would have to pass a saliva test.
May 8, 2020 at 9:06 AM
So what you're saying is that Gov. Wolf is better. Thanks for your support!
Governor gets an “F” on Report card Monday or Tuesday ,this should make Express Times by Friday next week. Economic losses ,mental health and social issues will outweigh these incarcerations of working folks that if briefed daily and had periodic decontamination procedures done daily we could get going again. I had written on this blog the tests weren’t being conducted to monitor cross sections of people . And didn’t catch the people who were infected and recovered, typically reserved for the already sick ! Well ladies and gentlemen of the jury ,when you go to gate ,vote for leadership that’s been in a learning curve if possible ,before they are elected.
So you're saying that the schools are properly functioning, then? Good to know!
9:12 AM
The term "Trump virus" certainly is.
I posted @8:26am about my kids online schooling. It is now 9:25am and my one daughter just logged off of her tablet and said, "School was easy today, I'm done".
So many comments on education coming from folks who obviously didn’t learn much about biology in high school. Your science slips are really showing. Sadly I doubt their kids will do any better at this time. It doesn’t help with the anti-science president making things up to fill air time. When schools reopen they will have to be very different. Classes will be much smaller, students will stay in one room, arrivals and departures will need to be staggered, and homework will be truly at-home work. Parents are unhappy because they have to be more attentive to their child’s education and structure their day. They depended on schools doing that, but schools won’t be able to do that like they have. Parents will have to take a bigger role in their kid’s lives, not just dropping them off and picking them up. Wow, can’t wait to read the comments in late August.
Anonymous said...
I posted @8:26am about my kids online schooling. It is now 9:25am and my one daughter just logged off of her tablet and said, "School was easy today, I'm done".
May 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM
Don't let school get in the way of education. Maybe it's time for you to share a book, etc. Stop waiting for the government to solve all of your problems.
9:05 AM continues to paste in a deliberately misleading quote.
Probably considers himself "pro-science" too.
Just reporting on the news, sweetie. Maybe you'd like to post more daily numbers so that we can see just how the Trump Virus is being defeated in PA by its oh-so-brave namesake.
Oh, don't worry. I now have to go over all of her work, teach her the work and correct her work. I also bought a half dozen educational games on Amazon when this pandemic started and I play them with my kids three times/week. Can I stop paying school taxes and also collect my child's teachers salaries?
I'm sorry, but I can't find those data that you were going to post. Are we going up or down?
Anonymous said...
Oh, don't worry. I now have to go over all of her work, teach her the work and correct her work. I also bought a half dozen educational games on Amazon when this pandemic started and I play them with my kids three times/week. Can I stop paying school taxes and also collect my child's teachers salaries?
May 8, 2020 at 9:44 AM
Oh, so she's not done yet with her work. No student is done until they understand the mistakes they're making and see how to avoid them in the future.
But glad to hear you're trying to be a good parent. And no, you don't get paid for that. It's a volunteer thing.
9:45 AM
We are definitely not going up exponentially, but you know that.
Define "exponentially". Seriously.
"Freedom Fighter" @9:30 AM
Congratulations, you've got 6 out of 15.
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/
That's 0.400. You are the Ted Williams of logical fallacies!
9:52 AM
"Define "exponentially". Seriously"
Look it up sweetie. Make sure you add epidemiology to your search.
Anon 9:03 said:
"Did it ever occur to you that our infection rate is lower precisely because Gov. Wolf did what he did?"
Did it ever occur to you that PA is among the worst virus statistics in the country because of what Wolf did?
Failed PA Governor follows the failed policies of other states. What could go wrong?
My grandchildren will not go back until there is a vaccine or non trump proven therapeutics. It looks like by the comments in here maybe some of you would benefit from some schooling in the fall.
Spoken like a true pampered teacher, who's done their teaching for the day. Hey, it's now 10am, take off your bra, kick off your shoes and open that bottle of wine and start drinking with the ladies from the Today show.
We know that Cuomo tried to hide his horrendous decision to force nursing homes to admit Covid-positive people. That's led to devastating numbers of cases and deaths in NY nursing homes.
Is Wolf continuing the lockdown to hide similar missteps on his part?
We have a VERY high percentage of deaths in our nursing homes, but Wolf seems to be ignoring this and continues to impose draconian measures on EVERYONE.
What's Wolf hiding?
How many of our elderly will Wolf allow to die before he changes his failed policies?
Let them keep it closed, but time to lay-ff all school people except custodians. And lets cancel 90 % of the school tax for this year and next. With the saving parents will be able to move to on line courses for their kids.
"Gee, if I was the governor, why wouldn't I want to hire you? You mean apart from the fact that you demean people, spout bigoted rhetoric, and use terms like "politically correct"."
Indulging the mentally ill is not compassionate treatment. Your playing along is mean-spirited toward those who need help. You are heartless.
"My grandchildren will not go back until there is a vaccine or non trump proven therapeutics."
Great. Another generation that will be as dumb as you. Hopefully it's not too late by the time they outlive you.
The science crowd thinks that Dr Levine is not a man and that there are 27 genders - of which all but two are immune from CoViD-19. Those are Dr Levine's numbers - which, admittedly, are a national punchline. They've blinded me with science. Dr. Levine is unfit and unqualified to make decisions regarding school closings.
But aren't these LEADERS elected to make the right decisions?
BWAHAHAHAHAHA
Anonymous said...
"Freedom Fighter" @9:30 AM
Congratulations, you've got 6 out of 15.
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/
That's 0.400. You are the Ted Williams of logical fallacies!
May 8, 2020 at 9:52 AM
Freedom Fighters don't care about logic! That's how it works when you're right!
Open up PA for Freedom (that's with a capital "F")!
Anonymous said...
9:52 AM
"Define "exponentially". Seriously"
Look it up sweetie. Make sure you add epidemiology to your search.
May 8, 2020 at 9:53 AM
Can't do it, eh? I see.
Anonymous said...
9:45 AM
We are definitely not going up exponentially, but you know that.
May 8, 2020 at 9:50 AM
Is an increase of .0001 a day "exponential"? .001? .01? .1?
Seriously.
Anonymous said...
The science crowd thinks that Dr Levine is not a man and that there are 27 genders - of which all but two are immune from CoViD-19. Those are Dr Levine's numbers - which, admittedly, are a national punchline. They've blinded me with science. Dr. Levine is unfit and unqualified to make decisions regarding school closings.
May 8, 2020 at 10:46 AM
You REALLY need to stop focusing on Dr. Levine's genitals.
While I'm at it, don't think about mine, either.
Anonymous said...
"Gee, if I was the governor, why wouldn't I want to hire you? You mean apart from the fact that you demean people, spout bigoted rhetoric, and use terms like "politically correct"."
Indulging the mentally ill is not compassionate treatment. Your playing along is mean-spirited toward those who need help. You are heartless.
May 8, 2020 at 10:28 AM
You're right, but I like to spread hope when I can.
May 8, 2020 at 11:40 AM
"Is an increase of .0001 a day "exponential"? .001? .01? .1? "
If it's that rate day after day, yes. If it's 0.001 one day, .01 the next, and 0.1 the third day, no.
That's what they invented semi-log plots for and that's why worldometer offers that feature.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/usa/pennsylvania/
Click on "logarithmic" in the new cases graph.
Exponential growth in epidemiology is when a semi-log plot is linear. As I've pointed out several times, the misleading quote is from the middle of March. Levine and Wolf went on record in the middle of April as saying cases were NO LONGER growing exponentially in PA.
Maybe 9:05 AM and/or 11:38 AM can stop playing games now.
This is bad reporting in the article/video and misinterpretation by the blogger. I’m missing the part in the article and video where the Rivera says he doesn’t see schools reopening in the fall. I do see/hear him stating that there is a chance they won’t reopen. But we all know this. Of course there is a risk.
Personally, I expect schools to reopen in the fall.
The good doctor resurrected 200 from the dead last weekend, and then killed off 200 today, per numbers released in the last hour. Joe Isuzu should present the daily numbers. This is out of control.
In anticipation of game-players, let me point out that exponential growth in epidemiology refers to when cases are increasing rapidly. I'm sure an obfuscator would be happy to point to the plateau and say "linear!", but that would miss the "nuance" of the discussion.
Of course, if the intent is to stay in permanent shutdown, I suppose someone could think they're being clever claiming that zero growth is still "exponential."
expadentially adj ex-puh-den-shu-lee meaning: describes the act of a woman with a five o'clock shadow trying to perform basic math without using fingers to count. "The numbers are increasing expadentially and my mascara is running."
Proms, graduations, sports, recognition assemblies, dinners and trips, awards, earned summer internships at Lehigh University and other universities cancelled, stultified opportunities and experiences that can't be relived.
Despite what many may think of our young people many of them work hard and try to be a force for good, I think they've been shit on enough.
Schools should be opened Monday. Summer programs should be reinstated.
Of course school should be opened in fall. We've been had.
Oh, so she's not done yet with her work. No student is done until they understand the mistakes they're making and see how to avoid them in the future.
But glad to hear you're trying to be a good parent. And no, you don't get paid for that. It's a volunteer thing.
Soooo that's the stupidest thing I've heard all day. Teachers should be like airliners. Put up in mothballs till they are needed again. I have more than one friend and a few family members who are teachers. They are certainly enjoying full pay for a severely reduced workload. Get your head out of your ass.
"Teachers should be like airliners. Put up in mothballs till they are needed again."
Wouldn't that kill them?
Anonymous said...
expadentially adj ex-puh-den-shu-lee meaning: describes the act of a woman with a five o'clock shadow trying to perform basic math without using fingers to count. "The numbers are increasing expadentially and my mascara is running."
May 8, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Your fixation on Dr. Levin's genitals continues to speak volumes about you.
12:46 Nah, They would just smell like grandmas house.
May 8, 2020 at 12:23 PM
Anonymous said...
"Oh, so she's not done yet with her work. No student is done until they understand the mistakes they're making and see how to avoid them in the future.
But glad to hear you're trying to be a good parent. And no, you don't get paid for that. It's a volunteer thing."
Soooo that's the stupidest thing I've heard all day. Teachers should be like airliners. Put up in mothballs till they are needed again. I have more than one friend and a few family members who are teachers. They are certainly enjoying full pay for a severely reduced workload. Get your head out of your ass.
May 8, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Your are trying awfully hard to grind an ax about the education system. Spare me.
My own comments, which are in quotation marks above, reflect my own philosophy of what it means for a student to be "done" with the day's homework. To whatever extent the student may have assistance from a teacher or a parent, that's still what it means--to me--to be "done". As children get older, they should be expected to take more responsibility for their own education, help from teachers and parents aside .When my grandchildren ask for help with their homework, that's how I approach it.
I have no problem with teachers doing a full day's work for their pay. I don't know what particular tasks they have assigned to them, but I otherwise generally support them working with students who are not yet "done" with the day's homework. But parents need to step up whenever necessary, which is not to say that students should not be takin lots of initiative.
By the way, all of my grandchildren make good grades.
Bernie, you really are a dog going after this bone endlessly - and its an admirable trait, but I think you are really wasting time and energy on it.
You, me, and absolutely nobody here posting can say with any certitude what things will look like and where we'll be in mid-June, let alone September.
We need testing kits and to steal a trending phrase from above, "EXPONENTIALLY" more testing kits locally, statewide and nationally in order for anyone to make ANY decision with any degree of confidence.
We have NO IDEA at the moment the complete picture of, who has or had COVID-19 at this point. Yes, nursing/senior living homes dis-proportionally stick out, but we already knew that they were already at risk because of multiple conditions frequently found in that sector of our population.
What we don't know is the true percentages for other (younger) population sectors - how many are truly asymptomatic? How many thought they just felt crummy for a few days, but went about their business as usual routines? How many felt worse, figured what it was and rode it out at home? How many did a virtual visit with a doctor, but weren't tested?
Our local communities/schools, counties, state and country cannot effective PLAN anything because of the lack of testing and the data/facts it would provide. Getting tests developed, produced and aggressively and effectively conducted ASAP is the only thing we should be focusing on right now.
In the meantime the best any level of government can do right now is broadly plan for a wide spectrum of scenarios.
The last thing we need is people slap fighting over woefully under informed opinions they've developed from their "feelings" and personal environments.
The kids are the Soylent Green that keeps those elderly in nursing homes, many of whom pray for death everyday, alive a few more weeks or months.
What else can these liars come up with to broaden the spectrum of suffering?
Kid are not dying face the facts YOU DUMB DEMS WHO PUT THE WOPLF in office this is type of leader you get---he is saving the kids who need no saving--yet he is killing the old with his stupid policy --you people who voted for this liberal deserve what you get---no school kids
Sometimes the prudent thing is to eat the Matzah, we shouldn't wait for the bread to rise, open the schools now.
Anonymous said...
The kids are the Soylent Green that keeps those elderly in nursing homes, many of whom pray for death everyday, alive a few more weeks or months.
What else can these liars come up with to broaden the spectrum of suffering?
May 8, 2020 at 1:13 PM
So you're saying that the elderly are expendable and even want to die? That really says it all. And now you know why no one trusts your perspective.
1:01 You are missing the point. If I wanted to quit my job and homeschool my children, I wouldn't have a problem with the efficacy of our educational system. At the moment, most parents have had to pick up a lot of slack in our children's education. My children cannot just raise their hand and ask a question. That responsibility has devolved to my spouse and myself (who are both blessed to be employed and are expected to perform our responsibilities). I believe that is the point that others were trying to make with you.
I pay local taxes but have not had the burden to assume road maintenance for the township. There are certain expectations one has for paying taxes for education. I expect teachers to be responsible for the subject matter they teach and to show up. I as a parent am responsible for raising well rounded, patriotic, kind children with manners. I don't expect the education system to instill these values in my children.
My brother and three sister-in-laws are teachers. Fortunately, three of the four have worked in the private sector and realize they are lucky to be teaching. I'm happy your grandchildren are doing well in school. Just remember education doesn't always equal success.
1:41, you had your kids so now raise them. That may mean helping them with their homework. That's just how it goes.
I'm happy to see an effective school system, if we can et it, but you have to brush that aside and step up as a parent.
I'm confident that my grandchildren will be capable and well-adjusted adults, but their schooling is only part of that. But whenever they need help with school, I'm going to be there without expecting to be paid for it.
"So you're saying that the elderly are expendable and even want to die? That really says it all. And now you know why no one trusts your perspective."
I wrote what I wrote, but you have no good argument for my words, so you made-up something you could then argue against.
Strawman arguments are dishonest and those who Strawman are not to be trusted as there perspective is skewed by their agenda.
Anonymous said...
"Freedom Fighter" @9:30 AM
You are the Ted Williams of logical fallacies!
May 8, 2020 at 9:52 AM
What, you don't think Ted Williams was a star?
Anonymous said...
"So you're saying that the elderly are expendable and even want to die? That really says it all. And now you know why no one trusts your perspective."
I wrote what I wrote, but you have no good argument for my words, so you made-up something you could then argue against.
Strawman arguments are dishonest and those who Strawman are not to be trusted as there perspective is skewed by their agenda.
May 8, 2020 at 1:55 PM
Yes, you certainly did write what you wrote: "...those elderly in nursing homes, many of whom pray for death everyday..." I think we all can judge what you meant. If you want, by all means clarify your meaning.
If they don't open school in the fall then there should be many layoffs. Teachers, custodians, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, maintenance staff, cafeteria staff, case workers, counselors, guidance people ect. On line school will require much smaller personnel numbers to accomplish the home school goals than the districts now employ. I have nothing against the great employees of the districts, but like any other company, if you only need half the staff then you let the other staff go. There won't be a need for all the administrators, office staff, etc.
Since we are already hearing grumblings from Districts about revenue hits due to Coronavirus related economic problems, it's only fair to the taxpayers.
1:41, totally agree. We are supposed to work, play teacher, and pay our school taxes as well. It's quite obvious that 1:47 is a retired school employee LOL. Talking about grandchildren is a dead give away, no clue what us working parents are trying to juggle right now.
Anonymous said...
1:41, totally agree. We are supposed to work, play teacher, and pay our school taxes as well. It's quite obvious that 1:47 is a retired school employee LOL. Talking about grandchildren is a dead give away, no clue what us working parents are trying to juggle right now.
May 8, 2020 at 2:31 PM
Wrong on both counts. I hope that your children turn out better educated than you. If they do, I suspect hat will have more to do with teachers than you.
As a Freedom Fighter for Indiscriminate Reopening, I just want to say that all the old people need to just get the hell out of the way for Progress (that's with a capital "P" and that rhymes with "me"!). I'm "healthy" and you're not, don't you see?
"Daddy, could you help me with my spelling homework?"
"Hell no. You sound like one of those commies who thinks teachers should relax all day. And I really can't respect someone who can spell a word only one way."
"Yes, you certainly did write what you wrote: "...those elderly in nursing homes, many of whom pray for death everyday..." I think we all can judge what you meant. If you want, by all means clarify your meaning."
It's an observation, have you ever been to a nursing home? Ever join a group of children that go and sing at the holiday's to raise the spirits of those living there? Ever have to explain to children why so many patients yell out and ask for lord to take them?
My guess is no, you haven't, my guess is you have not at all been effected by this virus, short of the governments response.
My late mother was in a nursing home for several months and I visited her a lot.
No one said that they wanted to die. My mother certainly didn't.
And guessing is all you've got.
"...don't you see?"
May 8, 2020 at 2:43 PM
All I see is #2 on the logical fallacy list.
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/15-logical-fallacies-know/
I think you're quite good at being #2.
3:01, Freedom Fighter for Indiscriminate Opening here. I'm a big fan of #2, so I sincerely endorse your comments. Being good at #2 is a big part of personal health, I can tell you.
Didn't say you were good at #2. Said you were good at BEING #2.
Goes along with your infatuation for an "indiscriminate opening" I guess.
1:47 Who is raising your grandchildren? Didn't your kid(s) have these children? So why are you so involved with their homework?
I don't think I ever alluded to the idea that I should be paid for helping my kids with their homework. My point again was that teachers should not shirk their responsibilities as "educators" for such things as math, science etc. Homework is expected and required, that has not changed. My problem is that now, in some instances, parents have become the teachers as one commenter stated above. I don't expect teachers to raise my children, I expect them to educate. We each have our roles to play. I'm sorry I don't live up to your expectation as a parent.
I think 2:31 was right. If you need a pat on the back for being a teacher, just ask.
@2:35 it's always a sign of not having a cogent argument when you resort to insults. Between my other half and myself we have 2 bachelors degrees, a masters degree, and a law degree. LOL! I hope my kids turn out better educated than us!
3:19, their parents are raising them, thankfully. But my wife and I are very active in their lives, as is one of the other set of grandparents. Do you expect me to apologize for that? All children should be so lucky.
I have acknowledged that teachers should earn their pay. But to whatever extent the kids need more help, then you have to step up. Complaining about the teachers isn't going to solve the problem any time soon.
And you have no idea what I do for a living, so don't pretend otherwise. If you believe that only teachers stand up for teachers, you're dead wrong.
@3:19 your post is right on. Grandma needs to settle down LOL. This virus has made people become so partisan and so political to the point of petty. Lighten up and laugh a little there Grandma LOL. It's ok to disagree, but facts don't seem to matter anymore.
Nobody respects what others are trying to do with this school situation, it's quite a hardship on those of us still trying to put bread on the table. Even more infuriating when I see my neighbor the teacher leaving to make money running his side business while I sit home and do the job he is getting paid to do, but that's how it goes sometimes.
3:21, congratulations on your degrees. But I don't get the impression that you're doing much to help your kids. And making up stuff about me is not a good sign of a sound education.
Bernie, how sad would it have been if your grandsons senior season was stolen from him like the kids of 2020 end of winter and spring sports seasons? In spring 2020 there were baseball, softball, track and lacrosse players who were going to have a season that earned them a championship or possibly a college opportunity. Not to mention proms, graduations, and senior skip days(JK). Stolen for a bad flu! Hopefully classes will resume as normal and the kids will learn a valuable lesson about hysteria and government overreach.
"My late mother was in a nursing home for several months and I visited her a lot."
I'm sure that made her day. I'm glad you were spared my experiences, there are fates worse than death, you can choose to ignore that wisdom, cover it up, with a lot of visits or whatever else you tell yourself.
Or about staying alive.
Yeah I'm with 3:21. Your argument is flawed and you have anger issues. Your grandchildren are truly blessed that they have 6 adults to help them with their homework.
Anonymous said...
"My late mother was in a nursing home for several months and I visited her a lot."
I'm sure that made her day. I'm glad you were spared my experiences, there are fates worse than death, you can choose to ignore that wisdom, cover it up, with a lot of visits or whatever else you tell yourself.
May 8, 2020 at 3:32 PM
I guess I'm supposed to accept your description of "your experiences" at face value, but you're going to tell me about mine? I think there are some things that YOU need to tell yourself, including getting some counseling. In the meantime, do us all a favor and stay the hell away from nursing homes.
Anonymous said...
Yeah I'm with 3:21. Your argument is flawed and you have anger issues. Your grandchildren are truly blessed that they have 6 adults to help them with their homework.
May 8, 2020 at 3:37 PM
I don't think I'm angry at anyone except, maybe, lazy ass parents who don't want to help their own children but who do make a hobby of whining about school teaches. My children and their spouses certainly have their priorities straight.
Case and point. This lazy parent has worked hard to put away six figures for our children's higher education in five years. let the anger go and you should never show it in front of those darling grandchildren. Didn't your parents raise you right?
Some parents pay for their children's college and some don't. Mine certainly didn't, but I was able to handle that myself.
And how many excuses do you want to make for parents who says they don't want to help their children with their homework. It's on the list of stuff that you just do, like changing their diapers and tightening their skates.
"ernie, how sad would it have been if your grandsons senior season was stolen from him like the kids of 2020 end of winter and spring sports seasons? In spring 2020 there were baseball, softball, track and lacrosse players who were going to have a season that earned them a championship or possibly a college opportunity. Not to mention proms, graduations, and senior skip days(JK)."
It's quite sad. I really feel for those kids and their parents. I know I'd be very upset. What's even worse is what goes on in the classroom. The kids are being deprived of a quality education. I have no problem with closing the schools. Err on the side of caution. I do have a problem with declaring in early May that schools will be closed in September. That's just letting fear dictate your response.
You win again. Now I'm a lousy parent because I want to help my kids pay for college. If you think that 6 figures will pay tuition for three kids think again. By no means do I plan on paying for the entirety of their education. They need to have some ownership in their education as well. . . Gotta go, need to come up with more excuses as to why I don't want to help my kids with their homework. This is turning into a full time job!
BTW I went to college by breaking my back waterproofing basements and working on the family farm in the summers. The reminder was paid for by Pell Grants because we were the working poor. Cry me a river.
"I think there are some things that YOU need to tell yourself, including getting some counseling. In the meantime, do us all a favor and stay the hell away from nursing homes."
I have been counseled. They tell me not to argue with the ignorant, but I keep telling myself there's hope knowing it's an act of faith.
And staying away from nursing homes during flu/cold season, although some may not be able to visit their mothers, should be standard if staying alive is the only concern.
Open school Monday.
How about this 3:41 lady lol, can't you just see her sniffing her nose in the air, my my me me oh please. Everybody is doing the best they can, and if you don't feel for the people who are trying to juggle jobs AND school then don't. I think it's rich that your retired, helping out with your grandchildren, and then calling people lazy that don't have that option LOL.
Anonymous said...
You win again. Now I'm a lousy parent because I want to help my kids pay for college. If you think that 6 figures will pay tuition for three kids think again. By no means do I plan on paying for the entirety of their education. They need to have some ownership in their education as well. . . Gotta go, need to come up with more excuses as to why I don't want to help my kids with their homework. This is turning into a full time job!
BTW I went to college by breaking my back waterproofing basements and working on the family farm in the summers. The reminder was paid for by Pell Grants because we were the working poor. Cry me a river.
May 8, 2020 at 4:20 PM
I agree as to the ownership issue.
My family also was the working poor. That's why my parents didn't help me much to pay for college; they couldn't. I wasn't the only one who got through that way, either.
You can tell it is a rainy day and the bars a closed.
Anonymous said...
How about this 3:41 lady lol, can't you just see her sniffing her nose in the air, my my me me oh please. Everybody is doing the best they can, and if you don't feel for the people who are trying to juggle jobs AND school then don't. I think it's rich that your retired, helping out with your grandchildren, and then calling people lazy that don't have that option LOL.
May 8, 2020 at 4:25 PM
Come down off the cross. My wife and I both helped our kids with their homework and never thought we were doing anything unusual. And we both had two jobs at the time. So why are some of you maki9ng such a fuss about helping your own friggin' kids?
You are so wrong about so much. I'm neither a female nor retired, just as I never was a teacher. Your biases are showing!
Anonymous said...
You can tell it is a rainy day and the bars a closed.
May 8, 2020 at 5:00 PM
And yet I think there's been some drinking.
Bernie -
Not only should schools open this Fall, they should plan on starting the new school year no later than August 1.
I say this because schools should plan on changes, such as decreased class sizes to allow for distancing. This will likely mean that students will have to go to a combination of in-school class days and cyber days (maybe one day in-school/one day cyber). They also need to plan in the likelihood of a loss of days next school year should there be a second wave.
Similarly, they should plan on the possibility of the year going as late as June 30.
If there's one thing we've learned this year, it's that cyber classes aren't a close equivalent to actual in-school learning. I think that was already known, given the test scores for most cyber schools as compared to the brick-and-mortar schools, but we certainly can't expect ALL kids to learn on-line and keep up with where they should be.
Beyond that, there's going to have to be disinfecting equipment purchased and used on a regular basis to make the schools as safe as possible. All that takes planning and preparation NOW, and that's where the Wolf Administration's focus should be.
The fact that the State's Education Secretary isn't planning HOW to properly (and safely) educate students under this new environment, and is instead looking to keep schools closed, is damning and he should be relieved of his duties.
I think many students will be getting promoted this year without actually having the knowledge they need to move to the next grade level. That can't happen again next year.
Our kids deserve better, but unfortunately it appears that Wolf and his cabinet have only one solution (lockdowns) for everybody.
I think I need some help with my homework.
My father-in-law has been diagnosed with COVID-19. He's in a nursing home. Do you think my wife and I fear for his life? You bet.
best of luck to your family. His life matters, just like everyone else's.
Why won't Trump let the CDC release its suggestions for schools? This is kind of crap I'm talking about.
There are ways to open any business inter the conditions. The issue will be compliance to serology within that space. Office space and common spaces need to be hit with a wipe down 2-3 times every 8 hrs . Coffee machine ,water coolers ,bathrooms if they start clean then the employees have to
understand how to keep the septic issue off after that. They are civilians and are not thinking about contamination. They need education drilled daily, and photos of people dying in beds because their suffering for oxygen. More will get the point after that and compliance will increase. But we can open with the right compliance.
What is the Betsy Devo plan for educating the kids staying home at this point and in the fall?
And in response to the person who chose to insult me as being dumb, and suggesting I die before my grandchildren develop the dumbness he assumes runs in my family.
My grandchildren are sick many times a year because of the spreading of germs in the daycare center and schools. I certainly wouldn't risk their well being with this disease It's just a fact.
Additionally,I earned a college degree, and utilize the focus of the degree in my employment. Your assumptions are baseless.
It's too bad you can't disagree without resorting to unfounded cheap shots.
Bernie it seems them there damm dems are hell bent on destroying America since they hadn't got there way. Just like a spoiled toddler want more candy and throwing a tantrum there going to lock down the nation one state at a time while also destroying our children's minds.
I still need help with my damned homework. Anyone?
No need to worry 8:02 the next article is sure to have draconian and Wolf in it. You’ll see these mentioned for the next several months as the author of this blog begins to eat himself from the inside, out. Vote Democratic, yeah right.
Isn't anyone going to help that little girl with her homework?
I’ll play devil’s advocate. Hopefully, most people will be back to work in the fall, which means children may be home alone if schools don’t reopen. Unsupervised children will be just another problem created by the governor and his overzealous reaction to the pandemic.
So the President and CDC criteria for reopening is 14 consecutive days with downward trends. Half of PA counties do not meet the Presidents own criteria. The President issued the guidance and then called states to reopen. When Georgia did just that, Trump said it was a bad decision. So getting over the fact that the so-called War Time President "takes no responsibility at all" it falls on the Governors. If states reopen and it goes well, trump will take credit. If states open and we get a second wave, trump will blame anyone and everyone. I do hope schools will be open in the fall but conditions will have to be the same or better. In the meantime, the so-called war time president and staff should lead by example and forego the daily testing, social distance, and wear a mask like the rest of the Country.
"You can tell it is a rainy day and the bars a close"
LOL. You win the blog today!
I just want to say how happy I am that we've now gone hours without anyone using "Wolf" and "draconian" in the same sentence. This is what makes America so great.
May 8, 2020 at 8:02 PM
Okay, you keep on dreaming.
What's the death rate for those under 18? What's the death rate for those under 65? Open the schools. They're closed for no scientific reason by a guy who rejects the science of his own penis and can't count to 11 without lifting his dress. Let's start listening to real doctors and real science - the kind that classifies all CoViD deaths into two genders - just like Dr Levine does when he's not pretending and presenting riotously phony numbers that are now a national laughing stock.
Wow, you just don't get it and you keep repeating the same old tired mantra.
I'm lucky that I get to work from home, but my children are supposed to, at least, have in school instruction for 3 hours/day. None of them get that. The teachers are supposed to be available by email, but only answer my emails when "I'm" having trouble understanding the work and have questions. Then, we get these sanctimonious emails from the principal asking all parents to "hang in there" as the teachers are "overwhelmed" and it's difficult to answer all the questions.
I doubt you are able to take 3 or more hours out of your day to teach your grandchildren in subjects that you sometimes find challenging while still trying to put in a full days work for your employer.
Yeah, you truly sound like the pillar of sound and stable mental health.
Freedom Fighter for Irresponsible Relaxation here. It's clear that the commie leftists hate us for our freedoms, so they want to imprison us. They lock us down and then wait until we take a nap, at which time they go through our pockets and remove all the bubble gum.
The lockdown will not be lifted until all the Double Bubble is theirs, you mark my words.
It's the little girl who needed help with her homework. I got help from the nice neighbors. My parents were too busy bitching about "overpaid" school teachers to help me.
Anonymous said...
What's the death rate for those under 18? What's the death rate for those under 65? Open the schools. They're closed for no scientific reason by a guy who rejects the science of his own penis and can't count to 11 without lifting his dress. Let's start listening to real doctors and real science - the kind that classifies all CoViD deaths into two genders - just like Dr Levine does when he's not pretending and presenting riotously phony numbers that are now a national laughing stock.
May 9, 2020 at 5:44 AM
You know, it's time to ask: did you used to date Dr. Levine? You're just such a crotch-sniffer. It's a little scary.
Anonymous said...
I doubt you are able to take 3 or more hours out of your day to teach your grandchildren in subjects that you sometimes find challenging while still trying to put in a full days work for your employer.
May 9, 2020 at 6:59 AM
Don't have kids at home anymore. Don't even get to see them these days. But when I had kids, I did whatever it took. Maybe you should cut back on the television.
Anonymous said...
What's the death rate for those under 18? What's the death rate for those under 65? Open the schools. They're closed for no scientific reason by a guy who rejects the science of his own penis and can't count to 11 without lifting his dress. Let's start listening to real doctors and real science - the kind that classifies all CoViD deaths into two genders - just like Dr Levine does when he's not pretending and presenting riotously phony numbers that are now a national laughing stock.
May 9, 2020 at 5:44 AM
You know, it's time to ask: did you used to date Dr. Levine? You're just such a crotch-sniffer. It's a little scary.
10:23, so I guess you're part of the Dr. Phil philosophy, where he purports to diagnose people
he's not actually treating and who he CAN'T treat because he has no license.
Otherwise, if you're talking to me: the wife and I now have only minimal face-to-face contact with our grandchildren because there's this little thing about called COVID-19. Nobody wants to die. But we still interact often in other ways, and I only can hope that this meets with your shallowly-considered approval.
It seems pretty obvious that the virus is communicated wherever large groups of people are. That makes it inadvisable to reopen schools or anywhere there will be large numbers of people, especially if idiots insist on going maskless.
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